About 480 km west of Kolkata & bordering district of Bengal, in the neighbouring state of Bihar is the most revered spot in the Buddhism tourism circuit. The sight of the enlightenment of the Buddha, Bodh Gaya here, has today become the most important place of Buddhist pilgrimage, drawing people from all corners of the globe.

The chirpings of the bird & the soft chants of ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachami’ will soothe your spirit as you walk on the hallowed land. Nuns, monks & laypersons of various ethnic groups sit deep in meditation in the Mahabodhi Temple complex, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Some have made their way here, to tread, even if momentarily, on the path shown to them by Prince Siddhartha, who, here became the rEnlightened One. The legend goes, the Price settled himself under the spreading branches of the nearby tree & prepared to begin his meditation. Just then, a young woman name Sujata happened to notice how thin he was, and quickly ran home to bring him a bowl of kheer & sweet honey. Strengthened by this nutritious meal, the ascetic began his meditation. Eventually, the clouds of ignorance dissolved & he swathe Truth in all its glory and splendour. He was no longer Prince Siddhartha or the ascetic Gautama. He became the Awakened One, the Compassionate One, the Light of the World, the Buddha – the Superme.